Are you getting a ton of compliments on your picture-taking skills? Are people asking you to do impromptu portrait sessions? Maybe it’s time to think about taking your photography hobby to the next level!
Photography can be a great way to make some extra cash, but there are some things to consider before you set up a business and get into photography as a line of work. Here are a few tips to get you started:
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- Make a business plan. Anyone starting a small business needs one. A business plan will serve as your roadmap, describing what you are doing and how it will be profitable. Remember to include ownership, cash flow, expenses, and competition.
- Find your specialty. Are you a nature photographer? A wedding photographer? Is your expertise in newborn photos, pet photos, family gatherings, or portraits? Be very clear about what services you offer and your area of expertise. Having a genre will help establish your brand and state your services offering to potential clients.
- Make a portfolio. It’s important to be able to show off what you’re able to do. So, before you try to turn your hobby into a business, take the time to build your portfolio. You’ll want to show off images that reflect the style of shoots you want to do regularly.
- Participate in photo contests. This is a GREAT way to see how your work measures up to that of other photographers at the beginner, amateur, or professional levels. And, if you’re lucky, you’ll get a prize!
- Consider online photography. Stock photography is in high demand and a practical way to make money. Advertising and marketing agencies, bloggers, websites, publications — and many more! — all make regular use of stock photos. And you can sell stock photos of pretty much any genre. You can find a list of websites where you can sell your photos here: https://www.theworkathomewoman.com/selling-photos
